By: Richard L. Smith
A man operating a motorized scooter was killed early Saturday morning following a police encounter that began in Perth Amboy and ended in a fatal crash in neighboring Woodbridge Township.
According to a statement from the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office, the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA) has launched an investigation into the deadly incident, which occurred just after midnight on July 6.
The preliminary findings reveal that at approximately 12:05 a.m., three individuals on motorized scooters were traveling near the intersection of State Street and High Street in Perth Amboy when a Perth Amboy Police lieutenant attempted a traffic stop.
The officer activated the police vehicle’s lights and siren, prompting two of the scooter riders to flee the scene.
Initially, the third rider slowed and pulled to the side of the road before suddenly accelerating and speeding away northbound.
The officer followed the individual until the scooters crossed into Woodbridge Township.
At that point, authorities say the lieutenant disengaged from the pursuit, deactivated the emergency lights and siren, and returned to Perth Amboy.
Moments later, Woodbridge police were dispatched to a crash site about a quarter-mile ahead on State Street, between Arbor Street and Ferry Street.
Officers arriving on the scene found the rider lying in the roadway. His motorized scooter had come to rest some distance away.
The man was pronounced dead at the scene. His identity has not yet been released pending notification of family.
The New Jersey Attorney General’s Office emphasized that the investigation remains active and ongoing. No additional details have been made public at this time.
This case falls under OPIA’s mandate to investigate incidents involving fatal encounters with law enforcement in the state.